Sarah Bone, head teacher of Headlands School, in Bridlington, says she sees "too many children with no heating in the home, no food in the cupboards, washing themselves with cold water, walking to school with holes in their shoes and trousers that are ill fitted".

Edward Conway, head of St Michael's Catholic High School in Watford, says: "Pupil poverty has increased significantly over the past eight years, with us providing food, clothing, equipment and securing funds from charitable organisations to provide essential items such as beds and fridges."

Widening gap

The head teachers' union has canvassed the views of school leaders, whose comments include: "When schools have to buy shoes for children to wear to school on a regular basis, we must have a problem."

Another head said: "In 24 years of education, I have not seen the extent of poverty like this.

"Children are coming to school hungry, dirty and without the basics to set them up for life.

"The gap between those that have and those that do not is rising and is stark."

Heads have linked this to problems recruiting teachers and to staff quitting their jobs.

The education secretary will tell the conference that he is creating a panel of experts to find ways to reduce stress and provide more support for teachers.

Reducing stress

"Like any really important job, teaching comes with its own challenges and, whilst rewarding, I don't need to tell you how stressful it can be," Mr Hinds will tell the conference.

"As a society, there is a much greater level of understanding about mental health and wellbeing and it is something many of you raise with me when I visit your schools.

Image copyrightReutersImage caption
Damian Hinds is setting up an advisory group to address stress and improve wellbeing among teachers

"Whilst those conversations are focused on supporting your students, I'm clear that your wellbeing is also something we need to prioritise."

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, says: "Mental health problems at work are common in all workplaces - and although we have made great strides, mental health is still a taboo subject.

"The first, and arguably most important, step will be to start a conversation about mental health that empowers teachers and make sure they have access to the right training and guidance to support themselves, their colleagues and their students."